Stimuli-Responsive Self-Assembly Based on Macrocyclic Hosts and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Macrocyclic hosts have been used to construct stimuli-responsive self-assembly systems. Stimuli types include pH, reducing environment, reactive oxygen species, and photo-irradiation. Self-assembled microparticles, nanoparticles, or hydrogels have versatile biomedical applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, and theranostics. The use of macrocyclic hosts could improve the complexity of self-assembly systems. Importantly, host-guest interaction has been used as biorthogonal stimuli to other stimuli types. These macrocyclic host-based stimuli-responsive self-assembly systems have achieved unique biomedical purpose in vitro or in vivo.